Jewellery care

Preserve the lustre of your silver jewellery by gently cleansing in warm soapy water, using a soft brush. Dry pieces thoroughly.

It’s best to remove jewellery before swimming or bathing, and to avoid lotions and potions to keep your pieces looking their best.

To keep your silver jewellery looking as good as new, you can use the following cleaning techniques:

Silver dip:

Following the instructions, dip your silver pieces for up to 2 minutes only. Wash away the solution with warm soapy water using a soft brush, then dry thoroughly with a soft, lint free cloth. For heavily tarnished items, this process can be repeated. Do not dip items with gemstones or any surface finishes, such as oxidisation.

Bicarb and foil:

This method is a more eco friendly alternative to silver dip, using household products.

This process should be safe for most gemstones, but please use caution if you’re not sure.

1. Line a bowl with aluminium foil and add your jewellery

2. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the jewellery

3. Pour over boiling water

4. Let it sit in the solution for at least 10 minutes

5. Rinse thoroughly and give each piece a gentle brush, then dry with a soft cloth.

As soon as white silver hits the air, it starts to oxidise. When storing your jewellery it is best to keep it sealed individually in plastic bags

However, I have found that many of my clients like to embrace this natural process, particularly with rings. They feel that the colours of the unique and natural patina evolve as part of their unique story.

Looking after other finishes and patinas:

Gold vermeil is the term for gold plated silver. In this case, a thick layer of 18ct gold is electro-plated onto sterling silver pieces. Look after your gold vermeil jewellery by gently buffing with a soft cloth, preferably a gold polishing cloth.

Oxidised silver is a black surface patination applied to sterling silver pieces, which are then sealed. Over time, the natural oils in your skin will give a gentle sheen. This finish can be affected by surface scratches.

Refresh service:

I offer a refresh service for pieces purchased directly from me or through any sops or galleries I stock. Please contact me to arrange. This service costs from £20 including return postage, the customer is responsible for postage to me, and insurance where applicable.